April 10, (THEWILL) — In a rare moment of restraint in the prolonged conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Russian President, Vladimir Putin, has announced a 32-hour Orthodox Easter ceasefire, offering a temporary pause in hostilities that has raised cautious optimism among observers and renewed attention on ongoing diplomatic efforts to end the war.
The Kremlin confirmed that the ceasefire will take effect from 4:00 p.m. Saturday (9:00 a.m. ET) and run until the end of Sunday, during which Russian forces have been instructed to halt all combat operations along the front lines.
The directive marks one of the most significant temporary pauses in fighting in recent months, as the war between Russia and Ukraine continues to exact a heavy humanitarian and geopolitical toll.
According to the Kremlin statement, military units were ordered to strictly observe the suspension of hostilities while remaining vigilant.
“The troops are to be ready to repel any possible provocations by the adversary, as well as any aggressive actions on its part”, the statement read.
The Russian leadership also expressed hope that Kyiv would reciprocate the gesture.
“We proceed from the assumption that the Ukrainian side will follow the example of the Russian Federation,” the Kremlin added.
The development comes after Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky reiterated his call for a temporary Easter truce, saying Kyiv had proposed a holiday ceasefire through United States-mediated diplomatic channels. Zelensky emphasised the humanitarian importance of a pause in fighting, particularly during a significant religious observance.
In a message shared on X, Zelensky stated, “We proposed a ceasefire during the Easter holidays this year and will act accordingly. People need an Easter free from threats and real movement toward peace, and Russia has a chance not to return to strikes after Easter as well.”
The United States has continued its role in facilitating indirect dialogue between Moscow and Kyiv, as part of broader diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the war, which is now entering its fifth year. United States officials have been engaging both sides in an attempt to explore possible frameworks for a negotiated settlement, though progress has remained limited.
The Kremlin noted that Russian forces remain prepared to respond to any breaches, a statement that reflects ongoing security concerns despite the announced pause in fighting.
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